Discover the new Gold Medal winners!

Helianthus annuus ‘Always Sunny Gold’ (PanAmerican Seed)

Come rain or sunshine, the latest Helianthus variety of PanAmerican Seed ensures a summer feeling all season long. The many pollen-free golden flowers of Always Sunny Gold provide a big splash of colour, radiating a warm summer glow in the garden. Bees and other beneficial insects indulge in its nectar, contributing to biodiversity.

This Helianthus is suitable for professional production thanks to its compactness in the very early production stage. Landscapers will admire its robustness and extended flowering season whereas retailers are convinced by the extended shelf life.

In addition to the golden colour beams in the garden, consumers can also enjoy Always Sunny Gold as a cut flower in a vase thanks to its strong, long stems.

A Gold Medal stands for excellence in breeding and this Helianthus fits the bill. The jury was convinced by the stunning golden yellow colour, longer field performance and the multitude of bees it attracted.

Heuchera sanguinea ‘Heucherette Pink’ (PanAmerican Seed)

Heucherette Pink redefines expectations of seed-raised Heuchera. This Heuchera sanguinea from PanAmerican Seed stands out as the first from seed with exceptionally strong flowering, producing large pink blooms that mature into rich rose tones, carried on bold yet compact flower spikes. Combined with a unique foliage pattern, it delivers true double value in one plant.

Growers will appreciate its compact habit, short stems, and reliable first-year flowering, allowing for fast, annual production. Retailers gain a visually powerful product that looks perfect straight away on the shelf, with abundant flowers that encourage impulse purchases.

For consumers, the combination of decorative foliage and vibrant flower colour brings lasting interest and versatility, whether used as a standout plant or combined with other colours such as Heucherette red in mixed planters.

The jury agreed that this Heuchera is an absolute breeding breakthrough, flowering with attractive rose-pink flower spikes early in the season, thus earning a coveted gold medal.

Sutera cordata ‘Bacopa Galactic Mist’ (PanAmerican Seed)

A new era of Bacopa begins with Galactic Mist, the first Sutera cordata from seed to deliver flower sizes comparable to vegetative varieties. Developed by PanAmerican Seed, this breakthrough variety combines impressive, pure white blooms with outstanding uniformity and performance, creating a refined yet high-impact look in packs and combinations alike.

Growers will appreciate Galactic Mist’s excellent natural branching and compact habit, making it ideal for pack production. As the plant requires no further pinching or PGR use, it stands for sustainable and efficient production.

Retailers benefit from the large, eye-catching flowers and consistent quality, offering a premium product with strong shelf appeal and versatility in mixed containers. Consumers will be drawn to the abundance of large, crisp white flowers that deliver a fresh, elegant look and long-lasting garden performance.

The jury stated: “Thanks to the significantly bigger flowers and larger leafs in a seed-raised variety, this Sutera is a huge step forward for the market in terms of breeding and production and truly deserves a gold medal.”

Verbena bonariensis ‘Flair’ (Benary)

Verbena breeding has made significant steps in recent years, culminating in the innovative Verbena bonariensis „Flair“ from Benary - the most compact variety on the market. The bright violet, round-shaped flowers have an eye-catching effect from a distance. Thanks to its genetical compactness, growers do not need to use PGR or pinching, ensuring an efficient and sustainable cultivation process. As more plants fit on a trolley, shipping becomes easier and more cost-effective. Retailers appreciate the brighter flower colour and versatile combination possibilities, creating a strong visual impact.

Consumers love the striking visual impact, even from a distance, provided by the round-shaped flowers, as well as the decorative appeal in landscape plantings. Beneficial insects visit Flair throughout the summer until frost, contributing to garden wildlife and biodiversity in general. Thriving in the full sun, Flair meets the increasing demand for heat-tolerant plants. The jury recognized this successful breeding breakthrough and saw new market opportunities for this Verbena in pot and container production, therefore awarding Flair with the coveted Gold Medal.

Zinnia Profusion ‘Double White Imp.’ (Sakata)

Meet the latest addition to Sakata’s series of Profusion! As an established market leader in Zinnia, Sakata’s breeding efforts have resulted in significantly larger flowers based on an even more compact plant and an enhanced flower longevity. Growers will be able to run a more efficient and sustainable production thanks to Profusion Double White’s excellent uniformity and nice compact plant habit. The larger flowers and much stronger blooming power will generate a very strong visual impact in gardens and landscapings over an extended period.

With its low maintenance requirements and outstanding garden performance even under challenging weather conditions, Profusion Double White Improved is an ideal crop for home gardeners and landscapers throughout the season. The jury stated: ‘Being one of the highest performers in the trial, this new Profusion variety will be an excellent addition to the market with high commercial potential.’